AM and PM

This will be short, simply because I was not with my baby girl much today. This morning I dressed her as I usually do. I am sure Mommy was not pleased with the footwear but oh well, lol! We prayed and then it was off to the sitter for the day. I had to work late this evening so I was not home to play with her tonight. By the time I arrived she was sleeping soundly. So AM and late PM was the only interaction we had. I missed her so much but she understands that Daddy has to work to be able to provide for her. I did manage to give her a kiss once I came home. I pray she felt it to her bones and knows that Daddy is home so she is comforted.

So tonight is here and I am home and ready for bed. As you pray I want you to include me in. Pray that I allow God to move me to the place where he wants me to be. The place that will open up more doors and opportunities for my family. I have already looked at the Man in the Mirror and Michael Jackson's words ring loud. I'm Gonna make a change for once in my life. A change for me and a change for C.J.! So if you believe in prayer please exercise your belief because prayer changes things, people and situations. I know mine is on the verge of a change!

Cell Phone Bandit

Today we were able to arrive home earlier than normal. Daddy did not have to go down to Trenton so he was able to pick up C.J. and Mommy as soon as Mommy was done at work. When I arrived at the babysitter's I found C.J. playing on the floor. I must say, when I arrive in a room and she looks up and is smiling from ear to ear, my heart melts. That is exactly what she did today. She looked up and our eyes connected. That moment is so powerful for this growing Dad.

So we came directly home today, no stops. When we were all settled, Mommy took a nap. Daddy prepared C.J. a bottle and gave it to her. She nestled in between Mommy's legs, finished the bottle and the next thing I knew, she had dozed off. While they slept Daddy played a video game. Mommy suddenly woke up, but C.J. beat her in rolling over. So once C.J. was up Daddy decided to play with her on the floor. The only problem was that she was enthused with his cell phone. So much so that she fell down trying to get it from him. OK, Daddy was trying to maneuver C.J. and the phone while it was charging, and he let her slide down his leg. She was not harmed and did not cry. Months ago Daddy bought C.J. a cell phone so he looked for that and gave it to her. It entertained her for a moment but it was his $500 phone that she wanted...to put in her mouth, to drop, and to develop her tactile development. However Daddy was not having it. I believe that she is fascinated by the lights so I am on a quest to find her one that lights up.

So prayer is still working and I will always advocate for it. So continue communicating with God. Your life will be much better by doing so. Prayer changes things, people and situations.

NOTE TO C.J.: This is a random one but something I want you to keep in your back pocket. When you want things done right, sometimes you will need to do them yourself. You're the best! Love Daddy!

Tennesee or Duke?

No I am not playing a name that state game. Tonight CJ had the opportunity to sit back, relax and watch what could be herself in the future. When we came home after making a few stops Daddy needed to complete some work. He did take the time to read to CJ tonight. He read a book by Steve Jenkins entitled, "Biggest, Strongest, Fastest". It was a book about animals, and as usual, CJ was all ears. If you know CJ she was all hands too because as I read she wanted to turn the pages herself. It was then time for Daddy to eat. Mommy made one of his favorite meals, fried shrimp and a fantastic citrus dipping sauce. The question was what did CJ do?

Since the NCAA tournament is on television he figured he would set her up to watch some good ball. Two games were on of interest, Tennessee against Dayton and Duke played LSU. Now some great players have come from both schools. Duke may have an edge academically, which is important for Daddy. However two of his favorites had great careers at Tennessee...Chamiqua Holdsclaw and Candace Parker. Daddy told Uncle Big Duke that CJ needed a CP3 Poster for her room. He said he would handle that. So I handed CJ her basketball and she played with it, and when the game came back from a commercial break, she held as it she were chilling and proceeded to watch the games and suck her thumb. It looked so good I had to take a picture. Of course Mommy uttered those famous words, "I hope she is actually interested in sports." I responded that it did not matter if she was or not. Whatever she does, her Daddy will be proud.

Right now I would have to say CJ is verbally committing to Duke. She is assured a great education and can play ball there too. We are accepting all offers so Standford, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Vandy and even my nemesis, UNC. You can all state your case in the sweepstakes, and in the year 2026, we will make our final decision.

So as I leave you tonight, the theme was basketball today. She wore a sweatsuit and her Kobe's. CJ watched some games and played with her ball, but this was after I read to her because academics will always be first. You all continue to pray for us when you send up your timber. Pray that Daddy is not a wild fanatic in the stands when his baby girl plays, if she plays. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Is It The Weekend or A Weekend

It all started very early this morning. To be exact it was around 5:30am. Daddy needed to get up to finish preparing his sermon for the day. Usually on Sundays we get to sleep a little late because we don't have to be at church until 10:30am. Today was different because it was a third Sunday and Daddy had to go preach at another church. That meant Daddy, C.J. and Mommy needed to be rolling off by 7:30am to get to the 8am service on-time. Well folks, we tried but we did not leave the house until 7:50am. We arrived to the church in time to hear the word but Daddy does not like being late.

C.J. is really a good baby and when she goes to church she participates in the service. Daddy says, "As she should!" That is what believers ought to do. They should go offer up their praise to God and C.J. has no shame already at the ripe old age of seven months. At the 8am service, she was attentive and tried to read the hymnal. At the 11am service, the one I preached oddly enough, I noticed she took a nap. At the 3pm service I did not hear her too much, but Mommy said she was up and chatting with her cousin.

Even though we have been pretty busy this weekend we did get to enjoy it a little bit. Hopefully we will have our weekends back to be together real soon. Daddy has to work on a few of them but he will do what is necessary to make sure he spends ample time with his Princess. Daddy has become accustomed to hanging out with his girls so now he is spoiled.

So now we are rounding out the day. C.J. has been laid down and Daddy is about to chill out for a bit. We did get to watch a lot of basketball in between all of our running around. March Madness is in full throttle and our team is still in the tournament right now. So once I am right and sleepy I will hit the bed and go to sleep. Before I go I will remind you to keep praying...it really does change people, situations, and things!

In Preparation

CJ was a little whiner tonight. it probably stems from her not taking a solid nap today. We dropped Mommy off to a workshop then it was up north only to find Grandma a little sick. CJ hung out with Breezie so she would not catch anything. Daddy needed to write but Cj was being a little spoiled. Will fill you in on more tomorrow.

It Is really Friday Night

Even though it is 12:40am I am considering it to be night time. We just arrived home from another family night out. Well CJ has been out for hours and Mommy has been out for the past hour and a half. When I say out I mean sleep, complete with snoring and a little bit of grogginess.

CJ Easter Pics

to be cont.